Daphne's grip tightened around his arm. "You can't," she said firmly. "You promised to save all of us. You can survive his attack. But them?"
She glanced at the terrified crowd behind him. "They won't."
Gideon blinked as she was right. His gaze swept across the faces staring at him with fear and fragile hope. These people weren't just survivors anymore, they were potential residents, and he would become their leader, his responsibility.
Henry was a problem, but not the priority. Not yet.
"Fine," he said, forcing his anger down. "We move together, and stay close. You guys can act terrified. Walk straight into the center of the nest."
"And after that?" someone asked, voice shaking.
"You don't need to do anything," Gideon replied calmly. "The Devourer will eat the other group instead."
He opened the system interface while they began moving, slow and trembling, just convincing enough to look like proper bait.
